5 Things to do in Rosswood

Take a day and enjoy the drive. Rosswood has plenty to offer.

The Nisga'a Highway sign with view of Kitsumkalum Lake in the background. — Photo by Bill Geier

You’re probably wondering where on earth is Rosswood and just what do people do there anyhow? Take up a seat and we’ll tell you about it.

Worth the drive.

Rosswood—all too often confused with Rossland—is a lesser known hamlet of about 150 residents located at the north end of Kitsumkalum Lake in British Columbia. While there isn’t much to Rosswood, aside from the Rosswood General Store and a few residential homes, what it lacks in amenities is more than made up for in natural beauty.

To get here, take the Nisga’a Highway 113 north about 40kms from Terrace. There are plenty of sights to take in along the way, with each twist and turn revealing breathtaking scenery that’s well worth exploring.

Kitsumkalum Lake

Your tour begins along the shores of Kitsumkalum (Kalum) Lake. The waters are excellent for paddling, swimming, and fishing and can be accessed off the highway at several points.

On route, you’ll first encounter a lookout area offering panoramic views of the lake and bordering mountains. As you continue closer to Rosswood, the boat launch and recreation site just past Maroon Creek provides water access.

One other entrance can be found via a gated service road just past Wesach Creek. Park at the top and take a short 3-minute stroll downhill to the beach.

Hiking

If lounging lakeside isn’t your thing you could take in the surround on foot. Once again, you’ve got options! Starting with a 20-minute walk along the creek to Wesach Falls (which has two, albeit short, but steep roped sections) or make a full day of it and do a more challenging hike up Maroon Mountain.

View of Wesach Mountain from the peak. — Photo by Bill Geier

If you’re undecided on either of those, Wesach (Goat) Mountain offers stunning valley views and can be knocked off in just a few hours. Either way, don’t forget your bug spray!

The Peeing Tree

By now you’ve surely drained your water bottle and are feeling a little parched. You’re next stop is one of the rarest sites in these parts. Homesteading in Rosswood has always held many challenges— water collection being one them.

The Peeing Tree was fashioned by Don Parmenter, a local resident, who was determined to make his water collecting days easier. As it turned out, he created a system that worked well for everyone.

The cottonwood has long absorbed the water pipe leaving it’s source a mystery but you’ll have plenty of time to ponder over it while your filling up your jug.

Rosswood General Store

Now, of course, we’re biased but local knowledge has it that no trip to Rosswood would be complete without a visit to the Rosswood General Store.

Inside this rustic emporium you’ll find a wide assortment of groceries from everyday essentials to international fancy foods. We can’t give away all our trade secrets before your arrival but as others have suggested, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

“I did not expect this! So much great stuff that you can’t find anywhere else in Terrace.”

Nisga’a Valley

If you have time to spare and you’re intent to carry on, just north of Rosswood is Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a (Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park) which is a must see for anyone travelling through. You’ll find a wide variety of activities and a chance to learn more about Nisga’a culture and the natural history of the region.

So take a drive up the Nisga’a Highway to Rosswood, or as far as it pleases you, and be sure to nip into the Rosswood General Store on your way through. We look forward to seeing you!